CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- In the heart of uptown Charlotte, the Hall House is in transition. A building that once housed seniors is being transformed into a homeless shelter.

People are lined up to volunteer, eager to spruce up the apartments.

Ralph Belk and at least a dozen of his family members have taken on three units on the fifth-floor.

“We are supposed to clean them, paint them, (add) fixtures, light bulbs. Really, painting and cleaning are the big parts," he said.

It's a labor of love in this tight economy -- a way to reach out to those who are struggling.

"Possibly through no fault of their own, they wind up out on the street and not have a place to stay and it's sad. And I'm happy to be able to help," Belk said.

Agencies that work with the homeless community said times are tougher than ever and they're getting more calls for help than ever before.

"Never before have we seen so many people needing food or living in their cars. The economy is hitting them hard and fast," said Annabelle Suddreth, executive director of A Child’s Place.

By this time next week, some of those in need will start seeing relief when, thanks to a huge community effort, Hall House doors will open to welcome the first families to move in.

"It's a lot of work, but it's worth doing. When you ask what am I doing here, I'm painting a homeless shelter for kids -- that makes it pretty easy,” Belk said.

More volunteers are needed Saturday to help fix up Hall House from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you're interested in helping to clean and paint, wear warm, old clothes and head over to 426 North Tryon Street.